Roots Latin Grill is expanding with the addition of Socavon, a bar and lounge just two doors down from the restaurant. “A lot of customers go to the restaurant just to get drinks,” owner Luis Morales told SBJ when plans were first announced last year. “I wanted to make a lounge and bar with more […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
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Downtown Springfield, Inc. presents awards
New businesses as well as many familiar names were recognized at the 30th annual Downtown Springfield, Inc. awards held Oct. 18 at the BOS Center. Isringhausen Imports also announced the recipient of the 2023 DRIVE Grant, created to benefit new and soon-to-open small businesses in the downtown area. The inaugural $20,000 grant was awarded last […]
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Jaalsa, Indian fusion food and bar, opens on South Sixth Street
Indian food is once again being offered at 3114 S. Sixth St., but the restaurant has a new name and new owners. Jaalsa, Hindi for “let’s celebrate,” has opened in the space most recently occupied by Indian Cuisine, which briefly operated a buffet in 2022. Jaalsa is owned by Secove Investments, which was not involved […]
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Yummy Bowl opens on west side
Yummy Bowl, a Mongolian barbecue and sushi restaurant, has opened on Springfield’s west side as of Oct. 16. Kevin Weng, who previously opened Yummy Bowl locations in Indiana and Pennsylvania, purchased the property at 3434 Freedom Dr. in April 2022 for $1.4 million, according to Sangamon County tax records. The building had been vacant since […]
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Wilson Haberdashery opening on Springfield’s west side
Terry Wilson has been in the clothing business for more than four decades, and soon he will fulfill his dream of owning his own store with the opening of Wilson Haberdashery on the west side of Springfield. “I’m 58 years old and I’ve been in the clothing industry for 42 years, pretty much my whole […]
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Springfield Clinic opens new pediatrics building
Springfield Clinic pediatrics opened a new 40,000-square-foot pediatrics building Oct. 16 focused on providing a unique, child-focused patient experience. The new facility is located at 3501 Old Jacksonville Road in Springfield. “This new facility exists for our patients and their families,” said Dr. Purvi Bhandari, chair of Springfield Clinic Pediatrics. “We are so excited to […]
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Eric Klinner named executive vice president of AIA Illinois
Eric Klinner has been selected as the new executive vice president of AIA Illinois, the state component of the national American Institute of Architects. Klinner, who previously served as managing director of AIA Illinois since 2006 and executive director of the Prairie Chapter for the past six years, brings extensive experience and knowledge of the […]
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Trish & Mary’s opening in Vinegar Hill Mall
Trish & Mary’s Public House, the first new venture in Vinegar Hill Mall, is opening Friday, Oct. 13. The English-style pub will feature an indoor beer garden offering European beers and liquors, British-themed snacks and darts. TVs will show international and European football, World Cup and American soccer. Conn’s Hospitality Group purchased Vinegar Hill Mall […]
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Matto: Pies + Pints closing Oct. 16
Matto: Pies + Pints, a restaurant focused on pizza, wings and beer, is closing after less than a year of operation. The new concept from the team behind Vele, Curate and Soleil Café opened at 2936 S. Sixth St. in February. Nickey Sperry, along with her husband, Dan Sperry, and executive chef Justin Richardson make […]
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Goodwill store under construction in Chatham
Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries has a new store under construction in Chatham that is slated to open in November. “This will be an easier shopping experience for everybody,” said Shelley Flynn Singleton, vice president of marketing, communications and fund development. “The Chatham community has been great to us, with lots of donations.” Singleton said […]
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Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation presents annual awards
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) Vice Chairman Kai Schnitker honored the recipients of JREDC’s two annual awards during the organization’s investor appreciation event held at Twisted Tree Music Hall in Jacksonville on Oct 4. Since 1990, JREDC’s Existing Industry Committee has presented the Industry of the Year Award to a company exhibiting outstanding business […]
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Twisted Fork opening Oct. 6
Twisted Fork, a concept the owners describe as “upscale diner food,” is opening downtown on Friday. Amanda Sandner, who co-owns the business with her husband, Jered Sandner, said an Oct. 6 opening is planned for 400 E. Jefferson, the restaurant space inside the historic St. Nicholas Apartments. The space has been vacant since Nu-Voh closed […]